A to Z Challenge: Holding On

Recently, I wrote about determination, and one of my dear blogging friends brought up a very valid point that’s just as valid in holding on continuing to write.

Belief in yourself.

And now I know everyone is rolling their eyes. Thinking that I’m going into power of positive thinking territory.

Uhmmm… no. And let me mention one thing. If I ever say that I think that positive thought will create positive events on their own, you can shoot me. Because odds are that I’m rabid.

Because the way I see it (and I’m quite vocal about this) is that positive thinking serves to give you the determination to do what you need to do. But hey, there are people who think differently about positive thought, and maybe they’re right.

The fact is, writing a book is only the beginning. That finished product has a name. A first draft. After that, you have a second draft (maybe) and revisions (definitely) and edits (ad nauseum). And then… then comes this terrifying and truly trying time of a writer’s career. Querying and publishing.

Because you’re probably going to get treated like your writing sucks.

A lot.

So. To make a long story short, determination alone won’t cut it. You need to believe in your abilities as a writer. In the beginning, you won’t have that, but your confidence will grow as you learn. And then, you also have to believe in the potential of your story. Once you’re really finished, you need to believe in the strength of it.

Because if you don’t, you won’t make it. This I promise you. If your faith in yourself and your skills isn’t strong enough, you’ll buckle at the first no you get. Or at the first bad review if you self-publish.

And none of us want that. Because it might mean that we readers miss out on some wonderful stories you wrote. Or could have written.

Don’t lose faith when things take longer than expected. You’ll get there in the end.

If you hang on enough.

Who of you veteran novelists were almost at the point of giving up when you got a “yes”? Any stories of determination from the self-publishing trenches?

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48 thoughts on “A to Z Challenge: Holding On”

Writing is like show business. You get rejected a lot. Others are better than you. Some are worse. That's just the way it is, so hanging in there, believing in yourself when others don't is one heck of a challenge.

I have trench stories about both traditional and self-publishing. Indeed, I do.

I think that once you've written your novel, you have to become a bit detached because you are wearing a different hat — the promotion one and it is different and challenging in another way. Detachment helps because we do fall in love with our words.

Didn't it take JK Rowling quite a few years to finish the book, find an agent and finally get it published? While I'm not the biggest fan of Harry Potter her writing journey is inspirational. She got quite a lot of rejections but she kept going and look where she is now. It's worth it to keep going. 🙂 Great post!

It's tough to keep going when you seem to be getting nowhere fast. But determination and self belief are your friends so embrace them and try to enjoy the journey who knows what might be just around that next bend.

A positive attitude and outlook even after the book is published is definitely needed. There are harsh reviews, people who won't love it, and people who will bash you personally even if they don't know you at all. And if you let all this get to you, then it's nearly impossible to write another book and put it out there.

Getting crit notes, querying, submissions… they are all steps to prepare you for the real deal. And it's scary, and it's going to really suck some days, but as long as you keep your chin up and remember your friends, your family, and what you love about your own writing, you just keep going at it.

Your posts are so great Misha thank you and funny! Have just gone back to the previous ones – a lot of wisdom there and revelation no less!And again so great that Doorways has been sold to Etopia – don't you want to call it Utopia?Am subscribing by email so I don't miss yours.

Great post. I've almost given up on several occasions. Then I read an inspiring story from another writer or one of my friends says something, or I get a story accepted. Something will come along and get you motivated again.

Never let anyone tell you that who you are and what you have done is not good enough. Especially if they are in the same field which you are in, cause baby, they ain't seen nothing yet!!!Yeah!jean yates A to Z 2013–3rd year

I used to do the whole positive-thinking deal. Turns out, visualizing your dream agent is reading your book and loving it and then send you an email to beg her to let her represent you, well, it just doesn't work. 🙂

It's taken me a long time to believe in writing, but it does make a difference when you do.

Our brains are very like computers, which can be programmed with negative or positive thoughts. The choice is ours. And I think you're right, positive thoughts give you the motivation to keep on trying even in the face of rejection.

I love this advice! You just have to hang in there. Every no is a step closer to a yes. It could be the one right after the next no. You never know. (And if you do, you really must drive yourself crazy. . .) 😉

Even though some people don't think so – how you think about things determines whether you will move forward or not. It is better to think positive about anything you do than to think negative. You can't let rejection keep you from moving forward in life. If your living life you will come in contact with rejection but keep moving forward!

very nice theme w/ lots of insight. I'm not writing a novel, I'm working on a non-fiction project, but it's always good to read about the process of getting published from anyone. I think we met LAST a-z. Nice to connect again! I became a follower. 🙂 from The Dugout

PMA–Positive Mental Attitude. See, this is why I'm married to my hubby–because his optimism far outweighs my reality-based perspective. He tips my balance as I'm leaning over the edge of the precipice.